Born out of a spontaneous performance from legends Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington as they traversed the New Orleans Heritage Festival site in 1970, the purity of this moment has been the guiding force for the festival throughout the decades.

It's dedication to musical creativity with an empowering spirit has led the annual event to become so fundamental it's simply referred to as Jazz Fest.

Throughout its half century history the festival has hosted performances from seemingly all of the most influential acts over the time span that you can think of. Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Willie Nelson, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Joni Mitchell, Dizzy Gillespie, and Neil Young are but a drop in the bucket.

To mark the special occasion and celebrate the place Jazz Fest has come hold in our culture, the festival have tabbed a who's who list of artists. The Rolling Stones, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Buffet & The Coral Reefer Band, Tom Jones, Santana, Van Morrison, and Al Green lead the way in the stacked lineup.

You can find the full lineup here and tickets go on sale 11:00 EST on 18 January.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place 25-28 April and 2-5 May at the Fair Grounds Race Course. Find more info on our guide and join the Waiting List to get first access when tickets go on sale at 11:00 EST on 18 January.